NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Investigating how a specific protein affects immune response in triple-negative breast cancer

Official title: Immunosuppressive impact of the GPCR/MALT1 protease axis in triple-negative breast cancer

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10994892 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a protein called MALT1 affects triple-negative breast cancer and how it might be making it harder for the immune system to fight the cancer, with the hope of finding better treatments that help boost the immune response.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$53,974
NIH project number1F30CA294747-01
Project IDNIH-10994892 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer who may benefit from novel immunotherapeutic approaches.

Less likely to help

Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer or those who do not have a diagnosis of breast cancer may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of the MALT1 protein in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a type of breast cancer that currently lacks effective targeted therapies. The study aims to explore how MALT1 contributes to immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment, potentially hindering the effectiveness of immunotherapy. By utilizing advanced techniques such as CRISPR, researchers will investigate the mechanisms by which MALT1 influences tumor progression and immune cell behavior. This could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses against TNBC.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy options for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Little, John Walton — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Little, John Walton

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.